About | Big Bend Hospice

Big Bend Hospice: Community Experts in End-of-Life Care

Founded in 1983 as the first non-profit hospice in Tallahassee, we remain grounded in our Big Bend region, serving families across Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla counties. We take pride in offering personalized care and exceptional support, ensuring your loved one receives the dignity and respect they deserve.

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OUR MISSION

We inspire hope by positively impacting the way our community experiences serious illness or grief – one family at a time.

Our Expertise, Your Peace of Mind

CHAP-accredited: Demonstrating our commitment to the highest quality standards.
Dedicated Team: Skilled nurses, physicians, social workers, chaplains, music therapists, and volunteers working together to address your loved one’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Holistic Care: Pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, bereavement services, and volunteer companionship – creating a comfortable and dignified experience.

Our Expertise, Your Peace of Mind

CHAP-accredited: Demonstrating our commitment to the highest quality standards.
Dedicated Team: Skilled nurses, physicians, social workers, chaplains, music therapists, and volunteers working together to address your loved one’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Holistic Care: Pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, bereavement services, and volunteer companionship – creating a comfortable and dignified experience.

Care Wherever You Call Home

Home Care: Receive comfort and compassion in the familiar surroundings of your own home.
Assisted Living & Nursing Homes: We seamlessly integrate our care into existing plans.
Inpatient Units: Margaret Z. Dozier House and First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care offer specialized care in home-like settings.

More Than Just Care, A Community Commitment

Big Bend Hospice goes beyond direct care, actively collaborating to improve end-of-life care across the Big Bend region. We engage in educational initiatives, advocate for patient rights, and work to ensure everyone has access to the resources they need.

Don’t face this difficult time alone. Contact Big Bend Hospice today. Let us guide you with compassion, expertise, and unwavering support through life’s final journey.

Together, we can make every moment count.

More Than Just Care, A Community Commitment

Don’t face this difficult time alone. Contact Big Bend Hospice today. Let us guide you with compassion, expertise, and unwavering support through life’s final journey.

Together, we can make every moment count.

If you would like to learn more about our care, please call us at:

850-878-5310 or 24/7, toll-free at 800-772-5862.

A 40+ Year History

For more than 40 years, Big Bend Hospice has been your hometown hospice. Learn more about our storied past by clicking below.

View Timeline

Executive Leadership Team

Bill Wertman, MSW, LSSGB

CEO of Seven Oaks Health and Big Bend Hospice

Bill Wertman began his journey with Big Bend Hospice in 2014 as the HR director and has since progressed to his current position as CEO of Seven Oaks Health and Big Bend Hospice. He holds a BSW and MSW from Florida State University and has taught graduate courses at FSU’s College of Social Work and Thomas University. Wertman serves on the boards of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, ENHANCE, the FSU Institute for Successful Longevity’s Community Advisory Committee, and the Big Bend Health Council. His community involvement also includes membership at Temple Israel Synagogue in Tallahassee. Previously, he served as executive director of the Alzheimer’s Project Inc. in Tallahassee.

Amanda Gustafson, CHA

COO of Seven Oaks Health and Big Bend Hospice

Amanda joined Big Bend Hospice in 2024 as Executive Director. Before joining Big Bend Hospice, she was the CEO of Adoray Home Health & Hospice in Wisconsin. She worked in the Baldwin community since 2009, initially serving at Western Wisconsin Health as the Director of Marketing and Fundraising before joining Adoray Home Health and Hospice in 2017.

Deborah Morris, MD

Chief Medical Officer of Seven Oaks Health

Dr. Deborah Morris, Chief Medical Officer of Seven Oaks Health, is a physician specializing in hospice and palliative medicine. Formerly the Medical Director of Big Bend Hospice, she holds board certifications in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Dr. Morris taught at Eastern Virginia Medical School and was named a Top Doc by Coastal Virginia Magazine. Her dedication and expertise have significantly advanced hospice and palliative care.

Nicole Holm

Chief Compliance Officer of Seven Oaks Health

With more than a decade of healthcare compliance experience, Nicole will support regulatory changes at Big Bend Hospice amidst the evolving healthcare landscape. Her efforts will contribute to establishing Seven Oaks Health as a leader in chronic and serious illness care.

Nicole most recently served as Compliance Director for Post-Acute Services at Sanford Health/Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She holds an MBA from the University of Sioux Falls and has demonstrated exceptional leadership in ensuring regulatory compliance across multiple healthcare sectors.

Heather Reynolds, CPA, MBA

Chief Financial Officer

Heather leads the organization’s financial strategy, reporting, and risk management to support its mission of delivering compassionate inpatient, hospice, and palliative care. With over 25 years of experience across both for-profit and non-profit sectors, she brings a deep understanding of fiscal stewardship and operational efficiency.

Heather previously served as Director of Accounting and Risk Management at the Florida Prepaid College Board and holds an MBA, a Bachelor’s degree, and an Associate of Science in Accounting from the University of Phoenix. A licensed CPA since 2017, she is committed to using her expertise to strengthen organizations that serve their communities with purpose and integrity.

Joel Garr

Chief Information Officer

Joel leads the strategy, management, and execution of the organization’s information services. His team oversees the technical infrastructure and drives projects that support BBH’s mission.

A Utah native, Joel holds a degree in Information Systems and Technology from Weber State University. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.

With over 20 years of experience in healthcare technology, Joel has worked in a variety of settings, from large nonprofit health systems to start-up physician practices. He spent the past decade as IT Director for nonprofit hospices, including five years with BBH, and has also provided consulting services.

Cyndi Dotson

Chief Resource Officer

Cyndi joined Big Bend Hospice in September of 2022 as Director of Human Resources, bringing over 20 years of strategic human resources leadership to the organization. Specializing in not-for-profit and healthcare sectors, her expertise and vision guides organizational success through innovative strategies and collaborative leadership. As Chief Resource Officer, Cyndi leads the Human Resources, Volunteer Services, Administrative Support Services and Facility Support Services teams prioritizing alignment of these essential team resources with organization’s goals to foster a high-performing, inclusive workplace.

Cyndi holds Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) since 2009 (PHR from 2001 – 2009), SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) since 2015, and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (2023) certifications, reflecting her commitment to excellence.